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I initially worked in Canada where it wouldn't be uncommon to go out for a work lunch and order a beer. When I got a new job in the US, my boss took me and sev
by mykowebhn 1y ago
I initially worked in Canada where it wouldn't be uncommon to go out for a work lunch and order a beer.
When I got a new job in the US, my boss took me and several coworkers to a restaurant for lunch as a way to welcome me. When the waitress asked what I wanted to drink I asked for a beer. I then heard one of my coworkers who was sitting next to me ask me incredulously, "What are you doing?" I responded that I was ordering a beer. He said that I could get fired for that. That's when I realized that for a country that seemed so similar to Canada on the surface it was quite different below that surface.
- astura 1y agoIt's common to order a beer at work lunch in the US too. Though I have worked at places if the company was paying for the lunch they won't pay for alcohol. In those cases we've always asked for the beers to be on a separate check so the expense report is easier.
- slumberlust 1y agoMany companies and cultures in the US are fine with a drink or two at lunch. What industry was this company in?
- mykowebhn 1y agoGood to know. This was in suburban Chicago, Naperville, IL to be exact, during the 90s. The industry was Telecomm. Maybe it was a more conservative area compared with the Bay Area or Boston.
- parpfish 1y agoIt’s usually best if the manager/more senior employees order first and sets the tone for “is this a beer friendly lunch”. Definitely don’t make the new guy order first and guess
- red-iron-pine 1y agohad plenty of drinking lunches w/ US companies. the current (Canadian) company I'm at is quite strict about drinking -- would likely be fireable. the Aussies would have been disappointed if I only had one...